Gianfranco Zola believes that Chelsea continues to be the club most suited for Eden Hazard and urges him to snub Real Madrid this summer.
The 28-year-old has once again impressed for the Blues this season, with 16 Premier League goals and 12 assists to his name. However, his switch to La Liga has never been closer.
The Belgian's current contract with the Blues runs out in 2020 and he is yet to put pen to paper on a new one, while interest from the Spanish giants is getting stronger and they are set to make their move when the transfer window opens.
Zola reveals when Antonio Rudiger will return from injury - and it's good news for Chelsea
It's looking more likely that Chelsea will be unable to keep hold of him and if Madrid match the £100m asking price from the Blues then they could get one of the top players in European football.
However, Zola believes Hazard's figures this season prove that Chelsea and Maurizio Sarri are the right combination for him to develop even further.
"[He's] Definitely at the top, top. He's such an unbelievable player," Zola. "The more I've spent time with him, the more I appreciate him as a player and a boy. He's been great. I'd love to have him for longer.
"I believe the type of play we are trying to implement, it perfectly suits him. It's no coincidence he's having his best season. He's maturing and becoming more efficient on the pitch but, certainly, the way we play helps him a lot."
Hazard to start while Cahill makes his Chelsea return - Predicted team vs Slavia Prague
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android .
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play .
